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Bangladesh cricket witnessed a significant shakeup as Najmul Hossain Shanto officially stepped down as the T20I captain on Thursday, January 2, 2025. The announcement, which came after weeks of speculation, marks the end of Shanto’s tenure as the leader in the shortest format of the game.
Table of content
- 1 Shanto Steps Down from T20I Leadership
- 2 Litton Das Emerges as Frontrunner for T20I Captaincy
- 3 BCB Comments on Shanto’s Resignation
- 4 Challenges During Shanto’s Leadership
- 5 Focus on ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- 6 Bangladesh’s Packed 2025 Schedule
- 7 Litton Das: The Likely New Leader
- 8 What Lies Ahead?
- 9 Share this:
- 10 Like this:
- 11 Related
Shanto Steps Down from T20I Leadership
Najmul Hossain Shanto initially planned to resign after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 but reconsidered, contemplating stepping down from all three formats. However, intervention by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed influenced his decision to remain involved in other formats.
The BCB confirmed Shanto’s decision to relinquish the T20I captaincy but clarified that he would continue to lead Bangladesh in Tests and ODIs. This development has left the board with ample time to identify a new T20I captain, as Bangladesh currently has no scheduled matches in the format.
Litton Das Emerges as Frontrunner for T20I Captaincy
Among the potential candidates to replace Shanto, Litton Das stands out. Known for his consistent performances and calm demeanor, Litton proved his leadership capabilities by guiding Bangladesh to a dominant 3-0 series victory against the West Indies. Reports suggest that Litton is eager to take on the role long-term, making him the leading contender to captain Bangladesh in T20Is.
BCB Comments on Shanto’s Resignation
A senior BCB official confirmed the development, stating:
“Shanto finally told us that he won’t lead in the T20Is, and we accepted it. Since we don’t have T20Is at the moment, we are not rushing to appoint a new captain. For now, Najmul will remain the captain in Tests and ODIs.”
This decision ensures stability in the Test and ODI formats, where Shanto has shown promise as a leader, particularly in navigating high-pressure situations.
Challenges During Shanto’s Leadership
Shanto’s tenure as T20I captain had its ups and downs, marked by a mix of impressive victories and disappointing performances. Injuries further complicated his role, including a setback during the ODI series against Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Shanto’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the team’s growth in recent years.
Focus on ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, putting an end to speculation about leadership changes for the prestigious tournament. The event, set to be hosted in Pakistan (with India’s matches at neutral venues), is a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to showcase their prowess on the global stage.
Earlier, Mehidy Hasan had temporarily captained the side during Shanto’s injury absence, sparking rumors about a possible leadership change. However, the team management has decided to stick with Shanto for the high-stakes tournament.
Bangladesh’s Packed 2025 Schedule
Bangladesh cricket fans have much to look forward to in 2025. The team’s schedule includes:
- Six Tests
- 18 ODIs
- 18 T20Is
These matches are spread across six bilateral series, with two tours abroad and four series at home. The action-packed calendar promises to test the team’s depth and resilience, with Shanto playing a central role in the longer formats.
Litton Das: The Likely New Leader
As the BCB considers its options for T20I captaincy, Litton Das appears to be the natural choice. His calm and confident leadership style, combined with his experience and batting consistency, makes him an ideal candidate to take the team forward in the shortest format.
With Shanto focusing on Tests and ODIs, and Litton likely stepping up for T20Is, Bangladesh cricket seems poised for a balanced leadership structure that leverages the strengths of its key players.
What Lies Ahead?
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision marks the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh cricket. While his departure as T20I captain signals a shift in focus, his continued presence in Tests and ODIs provides stability.
As fans eagerly await the ICC Champions Trophy and an action-packed 2025 schedule, all eyes will be on Bangladesh’s performances under their evolving leadership structure. Whether it’s Shanto anchoring the team in the longer formats or Litton guiding them in T20Is, the year promises to be a thrilling journey for Bangladeshi cricket enthusiasts.
